During my Genius Hour journey this week, I learned to edit the videos I captured on my Drone. My end goal was to create an educational video that others can use to teach or learn about a place in their community. So far, I learned to operate the controls and successfully flew my first test flight in preparation of taking video clips at the location I will showcase. After much reflection, I chose Green Venture Eco House for my educational video. Green Venture is a non-profit organization that educates the community about environmental sustainability, making eco-friendly choices and being an environmentally responsible citizen. The Green Venture staff even go to schools to give workshops and run summer camps for elementary students, except with Covid this year these activities were all cancelled. However, I worked as a landscape gardener, planted pollinator gardens, set up rain barrels, made an outdoor play kitchen, maintained community gardens and took care of the trees. I learned about native plants and conserving water using rain barrels. I was excited to showcase this place on video and then use it to teach others about different ways they can be environmentally friendly and stewards of the earth. Hopefully, I will be able to use it to show students a fascinating place nearby they should visit with their families.
Once I arrived at Green Venture, I made sure that I could fly my Drone safely and checked for any wires or dangerous areas. I took many clips, from different directions and with the Drone moving at different speeds and heights. I was not sure of the quality of the clips, but I wanted the video to look professional. I took extra clips of the same areas, so I did not have to come back to take more if needed. I made sure I followed the safety rules and did not let the Drone fly too high.
Once I got home, the next step was to learn to edit these videos to create a professional quality visual. I found it easy to put a voice over the clips. I used the software Final Cut Pro X from Apple, as I read online that it was one of the best. This software costs $400 but I was fortunate that it came as part of Apple’s educational package with the laptop I purchased a few months ago. This software is recommended by videographers and some professional video editors too. While researching, I discovered that many YouTubers use Final Cut Pro to edit their videos as they claim the end product looks professional. I will have to see if my video looks professional once completed.
My approach to learning to use Final Cut Pro followed the same pattern when learning to use a new device or technology – basically trial and error. I liked to practice using the software before I google the instructions in operating the different features. (See the screenshot of the Final Cut Pro). I learned to import a video already filmed from my Drone into this software. This software was easy to use and if I had any questions, I went to Apple’s website and easily searched and found the answers. Apple made it easy to cut clips and add them together to make a complete video. This week I researched ways I could use all the features especially the voice over function, so I can add important facts onto my videos. Click on the link to learn about the functions of Apple’s Final Cut Pro: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201109
I realized that Drones could be used by educators as tools to enhance learning in the classroom such as creating videos. However, I also wanted to research if Drones could be used in the classroom for direct learning, perhaps in science or mathematics. I explored the educational benefits of using Drones in the classroom, where students would use Drones as part of STEM learning, more specifically its technology, design or to solve mathematical and science problems. I knew, like all devices, Drones could share information electronically with the operator and possibly help students develop visual spatial awareness with its application. I wonder if the Drone technology will develop and expand in terms of its educational use, or even for the average person in terms of capabilities and practical functions in the near future. I researched if schools were using Drones as part of STEM and was fascinated by the work this school is doing with their students. The video clip below was posted by the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Education: https://ets.educ.ubc.ca/4514/
I feel excited to branch off to explore other uses that Drones can have in the classroom or even if a school wanted to form a Science and Technology Club. Along side completing the Green Venture video as a learning experience for me, I want to also find ways I can use this technology to teach science, technology and math in the classroom. Maybe I can also bring it in to demonstrate a flight experience during a science or physics lessons. Although I started with a focus to produce an educational video, I find the possibilities of using this technology in education endless. I am going to explore the possibilities of using a Drone for a STEM lesson for my next step after the Green Venture video is completed. I will start with an online search using Drones in educational lessons and then experiment on my own.
